The Tampa Bay Rays are set to face off against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday at Comerica Park, with the game starting at 1:10 p.m. ET. This matchup holds significance as both teams are looking to solidify their standings as the regular season draws to a close.
Tampa Bay (78-79 SU, 80-77 RL, and 66-83-8 O/U) has yet to announce a starting pitcher, but it is expected that left-hander Tyler Alexander will take the mound. The 30-year-old has a record of 6-5, with a 5.35 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 22 appearances, which includes eight starts this season.
On the other side, Detroit (83-74 SU, 86-71 RL, and 78-75-4 O/U) will rely on right-hander Reese Olson. The 25-year-old has a 4-8 record, with a 3.49 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 21 outings, totaling 108.1 innings pitched.
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*This article was written before the conclusion of Wednesday’s game.
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Rays Target Winning Record
The Rays recently achieved a sweep against Toronto but struggled to maintain that momentum in Tuesday’s game against Detroit, falling 2-1. They managed only two hits against Tigers’ starter Tarik Skubal, scoring only when they were down to their final out. With a current record of 78-79, Tampa Bay is pushing for a winning record as they approach the end of the 2024 regular season.
The Rays have a 36-40 record on the road and are 31-29 in day games this season. Their performance in September has been balanced at 11-11, and they hold a 30-31 record since the All-Star break.
Alexander is anticipated to start for Tampa Bay on Thursday afternoon. The former Detroit player has a 3-3 record with a 4.47 ERA and 1.08 WHIP on the road (46.1 IP). In day games, he is 2-2 with a 6.08 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP (37.0 IP). This season, he has a 4-2 record with a 4.30 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 11 appearances during the latter half of the season. His last matchup against Detroit was on April 24, where he allowed two runs on three hits while striking out four in four innings.
Tigers Surge into Playoff Contention
Detroit secured two wins against Baltimore in their last series and continued their success with a win in Tuesday’s opener against the Rays. The Tigers have won eight of their last ten games and are actively pursuing an American League Wild Card spot with less than a week remaining in the regular season.
The team from Michigan boasts a 40-36 record at Comerica Park and is 37-33 in night games in 2024. They have performed well this month, going 14-6, and have an impressive 36-24 record in the season’s second half.
Olson is set to start for Detroit in Thursday’s matinee. The second-year pitcher has a 3-4 record with a 3.47 ERA and 1.18 WHIP at Comerica Park (eight starts) and a 2-3 record with a 2.63 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in day games (eight starts). He has only made two appearances since late July, giving up five runs on five hits over 5.1 innings against Kansas City and Baltimore. Olson has not faced Tampa Bay this season.
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Smart Betting Choices for Rays vs. Tigers
The Tigers appear to be a strong pick in this crucial home series. Following a game where the Rays struggled to score, they have been limited to four or fewer runs in their last six games. If Detroit can maintain a lead early, they are likely to secure an easy victory. While the Rays have not confirmed a starter, Alexander is expected to pitch alongside relief options. Despite improvements in the bullpen during the second half, Tampa Bay’s pitching staff has been vulnerable, allowing 81 home runs this season.
Olson’s ability to control the strike zone will be critical in preventing the Rays from mounting significant rallies that could hinder Detroit’s postseason aspirations. The Tigers have recorded a low 2.64 ERA this month and restricted opponents to a .207 batting average in August. Tampa Bay does not seem poised to shift their recent struggles, setting the stage for a potential win for the Tigers on Thursday in Detroit.
